Laptopuri deschise până târziu, discuții aprinse la whiteboard, cod rulat și testat în timp real. Așa a arătat atmosfera la Hack the Future: Smart. Safe. Secure., hackathonul organizat de Cluj IT Cluster sub egida DIH4Society și parte din conferința DTX 2025. Timp de...
It has been six years since I wrote in Today Software Magazine about the potential for Romanian IT companies to support Africa’s digital transformation. At that time, my perspective was shaped by the recent field experiences, the first commercial contract that my...
From Business as Usual to Future Fitness Leading a company today isn’t easy. The pace of change is relentless, risks come from every direction, and what felt secure yesterday can unravel overnight. For decades, profit, short-term efficiency, and market share defined...
Project Goal The GENESIS project, “Greening Economy Network for Enhancing Sustainable Industrial Systems,” aims to bridge the innovation divide across European regions by strengthening green manufacturing, circular economy practices, and digital transformation. The...
The path from university to employment is no longer a given, and the future of work can no longer be predicted through degrees and traditional experience alone. Emerging technologies, shifting markets, and rapidly evolving demands are forcing both employees and...
Recent market data suggests that direct conversations still hold major value in B2B. According to McKinsey’s B2B Pulse Survey [1], companies prefer in-person interactions when the purchase decision involves higher effort. A HubSpot report [2] also points out that many...
The European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW) is set to revolutionize how European Union (EU) citizens and businesses interact with digital services. It is introduced by the updated eIDAS Regulation (Regulation EU 2024/1183 amending Regulation EU 910/2014 as regards...
In today’s digital threat landscape, phishing remains one of the most persistent and costly forms of cyberattacks. Despite significant investments in firewalls, antivirus software, and endpoint detection, attackers continue to bypass technical defenses - not by...
The 2025 edition of Cluj IT Cluster’s flagship conference, Cluj Innovation Days (May 29–30), marked a significant milestone in the event’s history. For the first time, an onsite, dedicated B2B matchmaking session was held on May 30, bringing together nearly 100...
Pe 18 iunie 2025, Oradea devine centrul dialogului regional despre digitalizare, sustenabilitate și inovare. Oradea Innovation Day, organizat în Parcul Științific și Tehnologic Bihor, reunește lideri din administrație, sănătate, educație și mediul de afaceri pentru a...
Events Officer and Liaison
Andreea has been an active member of the civil society for more than 5 years, promoting youth involvement in the public sphere and innovation as a Board Member of various student organizations. During her extensive volunteering experience, Mihaela developed strong leadership skills and a visionary organizational ability. Her areas of expertise include topics such as organizational management, project management, societal innovation therefore she is especially passionate about developing efficiency techniques in the workplace and the society as a whole.
Learning & Development Coordinator
Paula followed up on the International Business and Economics bachelor degree that she obtained from Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, by building a career as an operations manager in an international industrial machinery building group. Passionate about continuous professional development, she diversified her activities towards NGO community projects and business consultancy services. Paula joined the Cluj IT Cluster team in January 2020, as Learning & Development Coordinator, aiming to contribute to the stimulation and optimisation of L&D opportunities within the cluster.
Coordinator of Learning & Development Working Group
Alexandru Tulai has over 30 years of experience in the IT business and over 15 years in research and academia. He coordinated multiple projects and he has lead implementations of integrated software solutions for the support and development of companies from different business sectors as well as governmental level projects. During the last years, Alexandru had an important role as a business developer and business coacher, leading teams of consultants in important international (Belgian, German, Swiss etc.) software companies and leading implementation projects in Romania and abroad, in public and private sectors. Alexandru is certified as a Change Management Practitioner from APMG International, London and currently is the CEO of an organizational and leadership development company.
With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Gabriela started her career in a company as an economist and later as Economic Director and Internal Auditor. In 2008 she obtained certification as an expert accountant and member of the Body of Expert Accountants and Certified Accountants in Romania (CECCAR), certification as Tax Consultant, member of the Romanian Chamber of Tax Consultants, and in 2012 she obtained qualification as Financial Auditor member of the Chamber of Auditors from Romania; with these qualifications in 2017 she founded her own company avad as object of activity accounting services, tax consulting and audit. She has over 20 years of experience in accounting finance, experience gained by collaborating with entities in various fields of activity (IT, trade, production) and in various forms of organization (SMEs, large companies, associations and foundations).
Financial and Accounting Officer
Coordinator of the Data Ingelligence Working Group
Coordinator of the Brained City Working Group
Paulina Mitrea is an IT specialist, with experience both in the IT industry (as a shareholder but also as CEO), as well as in research and academic activity, with internships in prestigious institutes and universities – Universite de la Mediterranee Marseille, University of Plymouth, University of Essex, Polish-Japanesse Academy of IT Technology, etc. He holds a PhD in High Performance Computing and Image Processing, with extensive activity in interdisciplinary research and projects, especially in large-scale Smart City projects.
The fundamental belief is to position the capabilities of the IT field in the service of human values, both as an engine / support of development in all fields of activity and knowledge, and as a facilitator of new paradigms of human life, freed from those aspects by which activities routine and repetitive ones impede creative development.
Current responsibilities and positions: Associate Professor Doctor in Computer Science and Mathematics, Shareholder and Technical Director SC SOFTWARE ITC CLUJ SA – GOLD Member of the Cluju IT Cluster, Brained City / Cluj IT Group Coordinator, Smart City Unit Leader – DIH4S Cluj IT, ASAIA Vice President (Association for the Science and Application of Artificial Intelligence), Member of ASRO and Member of the European Committee for Standardization in the field of Smart and Sustainable Cities.
Training Specialist
Ovidiu has graduated all three forms of studies related to communication, and for the last ten years has been involved with helping his faculty and department to improve the manner in which students get in touch with the media institutions.
Besides his years of volunteering for UBB Radio Online, he has also been a volunteer for RBL in Bucharest and Cluj between 2015 and 2018 which increased his desire to help the community and share his skills. His areas of expertise revolve around technology, audio-video production and for the past 3 years, teaching a wide range of seminars and workshops to hundreds of students. Although not a graduate of an IT school, he still wishes to combine the field of communication with that of technology and bring a better understanding of both fields.
His PhD thesis revolves around Immersive Journalism and the Digital Audience, a study case on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality used by media institutions and he hopes that at the end of his journey, a guide-book will be published to help the companies from Romania to keep its audience more engaged
Member of the Board
Member of the Board
Project officer
Robert has previously collaborated with the Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca on two social-educational projects as project assistant. He was also a consultant on communication, media and IT for the UBB Faculty of Letters for three years. Robert has a PhD in Philology and he has published several articles on literary history and criticism in national and international scientific journals.
Financial and Accounting Officer
With a bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting, Ana began her career in a large
company as an economist and later as an economic director. Since 2001, with
certification as an accounting expert and member of the Body of Expert
Accountants and Certified Accountants in Romania (CECCAR), she founded her
own company. With more than 30 years of experience, Ana is a professional up to
any challenge in finance and accounting. She relies on her broad expertise in the
field and on her experience in collaborating with entities from various fields of
activity (medical, IT, trade, production, publishing houses, cultural) and under
different forms of organization (SMEs, large companies, associations and
foundations, authorized individuals, civil medical societies).
Procurement and Legal advisory
Cristian has a bachelor’s degree in law and during his professional career he has held several positions as a legal advisor within public institutions as well as organizations and associations in the private sector. Among them Babes-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, the Ministry of Education and Research, EU structural funds management organization of the Ministry of Education, private companies and associations. He also worked as an expert in European structural funds projects. Cristian has certifications in project management, public procurement, European funds expert and trainer. He also carries out volunteer activities with the Derzelas Association.
Vice President
Alexandru Tulai has over 30 years of experience in the IT business and over 15 years in research and academia. He coordinated multiple projects and he has lead implementations of integrated software solutions for the support and development of companies from different business sectors as well as governmental level projects. During the last years, Alexandru had an important role as a business developer and business coacher, leading teams of consultants in important international (Belgian, German, Swiss etc.) software companies and leading implementation projects in Romania and abroad, in public and private sectors. Alexandru is certified as a Change Management Practitioner from APMG International, London and currently is the CEO of an organizational and leadership development company.
President
CEO
Throughout his professional career Andrei has held various management positions in private and public outfits where he managed numerous projects worth tens of millions of Euros. In particular, he acted as management consultant for Babes-Bolyai University, the largest public university in the country. Prior to that he has lead the Information Compartment in an EU structural funds management structure of the Ministry of Labor. Since 2013 he is the Executive Director of Cluj IT Cluster where he oversees all operational aspects of an organization that represents the interests of one of the most prominent industries in Cluj. Andrei is also contributing to defining the strategy and objectives of the cluster initiative alongside the Board of Directors and the General Assembly.
Communication Assistant
Having a constant interest in community development, Otilia is currently studying for a master’s degree in Science, Technology and Innovation in Public Governance. She is passionate about her work at Cluj IT and that’s why she has a steady source of motivation that drives her to do her best. She is an ambitious content writer, who developed strong communication skills through her academic and professional background.
Communications Officer
Diana has been actively involved in the NGO community for more than 8 years, promoting personal and professional development, involvement in civil society. With a passion for people, communities and all things visual, Diana has been working with the Cluj IT Cluster since 2015 on continuous development of the community and its members.
Member of the Board
Member of the Board
1. It is not so important to be the best; much more important is to make as much good as possible
2. Both barriers and solutions are within us; let’s look from beyond the limits
3. Cooperation is much more competitive than competition
4. Compromise-driven solutions are obstacles in constructing humanity; humanity means to overpass the instinct-driven limits
5. Passion is a great transportation mean towards the essence of things; beyond this, discovery and understanding of the essence requires the soul’s energy
6. Sacrifice is the upper limit of humanity
7. Without the consciousness of our mission as human beings in the universe, thinking is only a trivial intellectual exercise; if we succeed to find out the proper reference, the thrusting force of word is huge
8. A really intelligent person is the one that overpass obstacles without stepping on others
9. Our creation is our spokesman
10. Innovation is life; stillness is death
11. Which is the border between prudence and cowardice? Which is the border between courage and lack of wisdom? It is the border between satisfaction and disappointment of your fellows that wait solutions from you. You cannot solve this dilemma without innovating intelligent – providing conflict-free solutions
12. The innovation process is the race you need to travel through to open the door of the house of your dreams
13. Strategy without a proper vision is roving; vision without a proper strategy is dreaming
14. Elites do not justify their talents if these are used only to raise their own statues
15. Mind acts through spirit; a high spirit animates the quality of solutions
16. The best source of innovation is the love for your fellows
17. We can do more than we think we can do; the problem does not stand in potential but in the way we choose to make thinks
18. Ideas you cannot materialize worth being shared with others; this means you are superior not naive
Member of the Board
1. It is not so important to be the best; much more important is to make as much good as possible
2. Both barriers and solutions are within us; let’s look from beyond the limits
3. Cooperation is much more competitive than competition
4. Compromise-driven solutions are obstacles in constructing humanity; humanity means to overpass the instinct-driven limits
5. Passion is a great transportation mean towards the essence of things; beyond this, discovery and understanding of the essence requires the soul’s energy
6. Sacrifice is the upper limit of humanity
7. Without the consciousness of our mission as human beings in the universe, thinking is only a trivial intellectual exercise; if we succeed to find out the proper reference, the thrusting force of word is huge
8. A really intelligent person is the one that overpass obstacles without stepping on others
9. Our creation is our spokesman
10. Innovation is life; stillness is death
11. Which is the border between prudence and cowardice? Which is the border between courage and lack of wisdom? It is the border between satisfaction and disappointment of your fellows that wait solutions from you. You cannot solve this dilemma without innovating intelligent – providing conflict-free solutions
12. The innovation process is the race you need to travel through to open the door of the house of your dreams
13. Strategy without a proper vision is roving; vision without a proper strategy is dreaming
14. Elites do not justify their talents if these are used only to raise their own statues
15. Mind acts through spirit; a high spirit animates the quality of solutions
16. The best source of innovation is the love for your fellows
17. We can do more than we think we can do; the problem does not stand in potential but in the way we choose to make thinks
18. Ideas you cannot materialize worth being shared with others; this means you are superior not naive
Member of the Board
Ciprian Sorlea is responsible for driving the technology and product development at Nordlogic Software. He has more than 20 years of experience in taking a product from initial concept to design and then on to a marketable, working solution. He has led development teams at a wide range of global organizations – from small startup companies to large, global enterprises.
Member of the Board
Calin Vac has a passion especially for bringing together entrepreneurship and education. Graduating university and postgraduate studies both in IT and business, with a PhD in Agronomy (Financial and economic feasibility in renewable energy resources) and a vested interest in research areas such as entrepreneurship, bio-economy and smart agriculture, Calin has had the opportunity of being involved in the development of over 50 national and international projects (structural funds, H2020, government funds, World Bank funds), serving as coordinator for over 10 projects (with a total value surmounting 25 million EUR) and team member in other 15 projects. As founder and coordinator of the Center for Project Management and Technology Transfer within the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca, Calin joined the Cluj IT Cluster Board of Directors in 2012 and still serves as an active member.
Member of the Board
I bought my first 586 computer with the money my family gave me after selling three pigs. Shortly after, in my teens, I have discovered my superpower: being able to make tech work for, rather than against, people.
Even today, in our digitized world, people often feel inadequate, even humiliated when confronted with IT problems. I admit: I feel like I am doing something special when I am able to restore some of their sense of dignity and self-worth.
This is the reason I have started my business almost 18 years ago with an initial capital of roughly $1000. Nowadays we operate our own data center, we have a solid team of highly trained professionals.
How do I measure success? Employees and customers that are sticking with us for more than a decade now.
One thing hasn’t changed for me: I keep discovering just how much potential, talent and creativity there is out there. And in a lot of cases, getting rid of real, or perceived, IT problems, makes all this potential realized.
Bogdan Ciotlăuș, Founder & CEO
Member of the Board
Erik Barna is CEO and FOUNDER of LIFE IS HARD | Work Soft – the first Romanian software company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange market. Active tech entrepreneur, Erik has more than 15 years of experience in software development. Having top skills in digitization and digital transformation, Erik uses a strategic innovation approach to generate new business growth. Along with his team of experts, Erik has developed several products targeted for the Romanian market dedicated to the business and the insurance industry. Furthermore, Erik`s passion for technology led to developing Smart City Products, apps which are already implemented in several cities like Cluj, Alba Iulia and Petroșani. Being really passionate about his work is also a coach and mentor taking part in several specialized events throughout Romania and Europe.
Erik is a member of the Board of Cluj IT Cluster since 2018.
Member of the Board
“As an entrepreneur and a Project Manager with extensive experience within important Romanian companies in IT field (in software selling, business development and project management), I managed successful projects in: developing new lines of business or partnerships, implementation and project management of complex, multi-purpose or SFA (Sales Force Automation) systems. I have a proven experience in drafting and implementing strategies for an IT company, but also in leadership and team management.”
Looking back at the 40 years passed in IT, from high school till now, I realize how poor are these assertions when compared with major questions like:
Did I manage to influence – in an ethical way – the people I use to collaborate in understanding what is really important in our professional life?
Did I do everything I could to sustain the IT field in my area of influence?
Did I have a proper contribution to communities I am belonging to?
By being a member of the Directors’ Board of Cluj IT since the very beginning, I have a partial answer, at least: I tried to, but the road is still open.
Vice President
Daniel Homorodean manages Arxia, a web development company specialized in open source web portals and is the founder of several software product-based startups ( PlanningWiz www.PlanningWiz.com, ProcessPlayer www.processplayer.ro/eng ).
Daniel is involved in the development of standards in the Romanian NSO ASRO on e-procurement, e-invoicing, Smart City, and represents Romania at the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in two technical committees developing EU standards for Electronic Public Procurement.
Daniel is a member of the board of Cluj IT Cluster since the beginning of the organization in 2012.
Board of Directors Member, Prof. Dr. Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Vicerector of Babes-Bolyai University
1. It is not so important to be the best; much more important is to make as much good as possible
2. Both barriers and solutions are within us; let’s look from beyond the limits
3. Cooperation is much more competitive than competition
4. Compromise-driven solutions are obstacles in constructing humanity; humanity means to overpass the instinct-driven limits
5. Passion is a great transportation mean towards the essence of things; beyond this, discovery and understanding of the essence requires the soul’s energy
6. Sacrifice is the upper limit of humanity
7. Without the consciousness of our mission as human beings in the universe, thinking is only a trivial intellectual exercise; if we succeed to find out the proper reference, the thrusting force of word is huge
8. A really intelligent person is the one that overpass obstacles without stepping on others
9. Our creation is our spokesman
10. Innovation is life; stillness is death
11. Which is the border between prudence and cowardice? Which is the border between courage and lack of wisdom? It is the border between satisfaction and disappointment of your fellows that wait solutions from you. You cannot solve this dilemma without innovating intelligent – providing conflict-free solutions
12. The innovation process is the race you need to travel through to open the door of the house of your dreams
13. Strategy without a proper vision is roving; vision without a proper strategy is dreaming
14. Elites do not justify their talents if these are used only to raise their own statues
15. Mind acts through spirit; a high spirit animates the quality of solutions
16. The best source of innovation is the love for your fellows
17. We can do more than we think we can do; the problem does not stand in potential but in the way we choose to make thinks
18. Ideas you cannot materialize worth being shared with others; this means you are superior not naive
